Immigration News - Business travel, Global mobility, Sports and entertainment, South Africa South Africa | New MEETS visa scheme to accelerate high-volume visa processing for events hosted in South Africa Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) March 17, 2026 The Department of Home Affairs announced the new Meetings, Exhibits, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), providing secure, accelerated visa processing for high-volume, time-sensitive group visa applications for international events hosted in South Africa. Key takeaways: The Minister of Home Affairs explained the intention of MEETS, stating, “South Africa already possesses the infrastructure, venues and global appeal required to host premier international events. Through MEETS, we are ensuring that our visa system becomes a competitive advantage that helps attract even more conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and cultural events that create jobs and stimulate economic growth.” South African event organizers can submit expressions of interest to join the MEETS visa scheme, subject to qualifying criteria. Accredited organizers will enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs to regulate participation and governance of the scheme. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.